Travel Article: Sweet Dreams: A Kelowna Accommodation Guide

Untitled Document Nestled in the heart of southern British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, a paradise known as Kelowna offers residents and visitors the best of all worlds. Cradled by the Canadian Rockies, Kelowna is heaven for hikers, nature lovers, wine aficionados and snow fiends. The Big White Ski Resort is less than an hour away, a patchwork of charming vineyards await wine connoisseurs within 10 minutes of downtown Kelowna, and sandy beach playgrounds welcome sun-seekers to the refreshing waters of Lake Okanagan, home of the legendary lake monster, Ogopogo.


	Statue of Ogopogo in City Park, Downtown¹

The largest centre in the Thompson-Okanagan region, Kelowna is also the fastest growing city in the valley as its attractive lifestyle beckons more and more people from Vancouver. Kelowna's main industries of orchard fruit, wine, IT, forestry and boat manufacturing support a strong economy which attracts a significant number of business travellers. The throng of vacationers drawn to Kelowna's pleasant climate, stunning scenery and big-city sophistication, and the steady stream of those arriving on business, affirm Kelowna as a bustling, yet tranquil visitor destination.

As a major tourism and business centre, Kelowna offers a wide choice of accommodation options for travellers of all tastes and budgets. Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, resorts, hostels and campgrounds accommodate visitors all year round.

Helpful Links
To help visitors plan their travels, WorldWeb.com's Kelowna accommodation information is just a click away via these useful links:

Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Kelowna accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations—Check for Kelowna room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps—The Kelowna map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

GETTING THERE


The Road to Kelowna²

As an increasing number of travellers choose to fly to Kelowna, the Kelowna International Airport is rapidly climbing the ranks of Canada's busiest airports. Daily direct flights from Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto provide ease of access from all directions. The airport is located north of downtown, off Highway 97 which takes travellers directly into the city's centre.

Highway 97A connects with the Trans-Canada Highway in the north, providing road access from Vancouver in the west, and Calgary and beyond in the east. The 97 passes through the centre of Kelowna and continues south into Washington, USA. Highway 33 leads directly to Kelowna from Rock Creek in the south where it connects with Highway 3 to Vancouver, through Osoyoos.

Accessing Kelowna by bus is made easy and comfortable by Greyhound. This nation-wide coach service provides transport to and from Kelowna via destinations across Canada and connections to the USA.

ORIENTATION

Kelowna is approximately 400 km (240 mi) east of Vancouver, 600 km (360 mi) west of Calgary and 150 km (90 mi) north of the US border. The city covers an area of about 260 sq km (100 sq mi), bordered by Okanagan Centre to the north, the Rockies to the east and south, and Okanagan Lake to the west. South-east Kelowna largely consists of rolling fields, orchards and vineyards. Glenmore area to the north and Rutland to the east also offer a taste of horticulture and wineries, with many quieter bed and breakfasts located in these areas. The fast-paced centres of downtown, Rutland and South Pandosy are sprouting with chain hotels and motels.

As mentioned above, Highway 97 runs through the centre of Kelowna from the north, crossing the lake over Canada's largest floating bridge to Westbank. Most of the major chain hotels and motels are found along this highway, between the airport and city centre.

For travellers relying on public transit, Kelowna Regional Transit System frequently and efficiently takes passengers around the city and to the surrounding region. Queensway Station is the central bus terminal, located in the heart of downtown. Some major routes to and from Queensgate Station include Route 1 running south along the lakeshore, Route 7 north to Glenmore, and Route 11 east to Rutland. Route 23 heads north to Lake Country, stopping at the airport on the way.

For those who prefer to be behind the wheel, many rental companies provide cars and trucks to suit all personal travel needs.

WEATHER

Kelowna boasts a very agreeable climate which is generally dry and mild. Long, hot summers, moderate winters and pleasant temperatures in between set Kelowna as a year-round travel destination. The average high during the peak of summer is 27ºC (81ºF), the average low during the middle of winter is -7ºC (19ºF). Seasonal activities such as skiing at the Big White Ski Resort, golfing at the region's many golf courses, wine tours and boating entice visitors from January to December. Major events and festivals are also big attractions, including summer's Wakefest; Kelowna's biggest beach party with the world's best wakeboarders, Wine Festivals held every season, and the Okanagan Film Festival in spring.

Summer is Kelowna's peak tourism season, drawing the crowds with its pristine lake beaches, fragrant orchards, romantic vineyards and hike-worthy pine forests. Reservations for accommodation and tours are recommended from June to September.

POPULAR LODGINGS

Owing to the popularity of Kelowna among tourists, the area caters to visitors extremely well. Kelowna is a relaxing destination where travel is easy and accommodation abounds.

Hotels & Motels


	Downtown Kelowna at Night³

The convenience and privacy of hotels and motels suits travellers of all types. Many of these can be found in the centre of town, in close proximity to attractions, shopping and restaurants. The Cultural District, encompassing a few blocks downtown on the waterfront, offers a medley of fascinating attractions, including the Arts Centre and Prospera Place; a 6,000-seat event facility which is also home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League. The Wine Museum, Kelowna Museum and the B.C. Orchard Industry Museum are also located here.

Just a couple of blocks from the Cultural District, along the waterfront on Abbott Street, the Prestige Hotel pampers guests with their four and a half star elegance and services. An indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre and day spa are located at the hotel, and their spa, skiing and golf packages offer a complete holiday experience. Guests can familiarize themselves with Kelowna's mysterious lake monster, Ogopogo, by visiting his statue in the nearby City Park.

Also located in the downtown heart, on Harvey Avenue (Highway 97), visitors can find affordable rooms at Accent Inn and Kelowna Motor Inn. Accent Inn offers many amenities including a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness room and pet-friendly rooms. Kelowna Motor Inn is another good-value option for the dollar-conscious traveller. Its simple, modern rooms and suites include kitchenettes and some come with a Jacuzzi. They also offer many amenities, including a heated indoor pool, steam room, restaurant and free Internet access.

Heading out toward the airport on Highway 97, a few hotel options exist in the Rutland area. Only moments from downtown and minutes from the airport, this area also enables direct access to many vineyards, wineries and orchards. The dependable and affordable chain hotel, Holiday Inn Express provides attractive, comfortable rooms, fitness facilities, and golf and ski packages. The Best Western Inn is another reliable chain choice, offering well-appointed room and kitchenette suites, complimentary continental breakfasts, fitness facilities, two outdoor hot tubs and a full-service day spa.

Lakeshore Road, which runs south along the waterfront, also offers many accommodation options, including a couple of hotel and motel choices. Siesta Inn is a family-oriented motel offering real value for money. Just one block from the beach, the inn has spacious, tidy suites with full kitchens for self-catering, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and sauna, and pleasant picnic areas.

Bed & Breakfasts


Hanging on the Grapevine⁴

A more personal experience served with delicious home-cooked breakfasts and local hospitality waits within a plethora of bed and breakfasts in and around Kelowna. Generally located in quieter suburban neighbourhoods, many bed and breakfasts in Kelowna come with the added benefit of having local vineyards and orchards almost at their doorsteps.

In the south of Kelowna an assortment of bed and breakfast properties enjoy a country setting. Surrounded by trees, Cozy Corner Bed & Breakfast offers a private, self-contained guest cottage that comfortably accommodates four people. Located on Lakeshore Road, not only are wineries and orchards just steps away, but so is the beach.

Situated among orchards on Todd Road, Loft with a View treats guests to beautiful leafy vistas from its light and spacious two-bedroom carriage house. Fully private and self-contained, continental breakfast provisions are supplied. Another tranquil bed and breakfast option located in the south is Sunny Side B&B on Bedford Road. This luxurious property offers guests a swimming pool, hot tub, putting green, deluxe continental breakfasts and bookings for wine tours or golf.

Accommodation in the Glenmore area also plonks guests at vineyard gates. The Grapevine Bed & Breakfast on Longhill Road is an upscale country-style lodging offering gourmet breakfasts and services. A swimming pool, hot tub and ski lockers are features of The Grapevine, along with popular tours of local world-class wineries. Surrounded in landscaped grounds, Otella's Wine Country Inn also indulges guests with luxurious rooms, gourmet cuisine, Okanagan wine and a number of gourmet and wine lovers packages.

Crossing the Floating Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering, takes visitors across the lake to Westbank. This area is also classed as wine country, with a number of well-known vineyards and wineries. Bed and Breakfasts are the preferred accommodation type here and plenty meet the demand.

Resorts


	The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort⁵

Vacationers requiring total relaxation, pampering and complete holiday packages have a wide choice of swanky resort-style accommodations in the Kelowna area. The famous Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort is a holiday destination in itself. Centrally located in the Cultural District, The Grand sits proudly on sprawling landscaped grounds overlooking the lake. Sparkling swimming pools, a European-style spa, the Lake City Casino, trendy restaurants and bars, shops and a modern fitness centre are all located within the resort complex.

Another waterfront option located just south of downtown on Lakeshore Road is Manteo Resort. Sophisticated waterfront dining, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, a fitness centre, tennis court, putting green, private beach and water sport rentals designate Manteo as a perfect retreat, vacation or corporate destination.

A little further away, on the west side of the lake, guests can stay at the stunning Lake Okanagan Resort, set on 300 acres (121 hectares) of parkland right on the lakeshore. A nine hole golf course, an assortment of swimming pools and Jacuzzis, a water park, fitness centre, children's playground, seven tennis courts, hiking and mountain-biking trails, stables offering trail rides and lessons, a Moroccan themed day spa and a full-service marina offering water sport rentals are all features of this luxurious resort.

In under an hour's drive from the centre of Kelowna, on the edge of the Monashee Mountains, snow sports enthusiasts can choose between hotels, luxury townhouses, condominiums, chalets, cabins and hostels in Canada's largest ski-in ski-out resort village at Big White Ski Resort. Plenty of champagne powder and sunshine makes Big White one of the most popular ski retreats in the world.

Hostels & Campgrounds
For some people, nothing beats the laid-back atmosphere and conviviality of hostels and campgrounds.


The Fruits of Camping in Kelowna⁶

Kelowna has a couple of reputable hostels located in and near downtown. SameSun Lodge is a purpose-built hostel situated across the road from City Park and the beach, amidst popular bars and clubs. It offers stylish, modern dorm and private rooms, and amenities that beat many hotels, including cheap shuttles to Big White during winter. A few blocks south, Kelowna International Hostel offers 30 beds in a large character house at possibly the lowest downtown prices. Nightly guest activities get guests mingling and the hostel's central location puts the beach and downtown attractions just a short stroll away.

Along Lakeshore Road visitors will find Willow Creek Family Campground, just half a block from Gyro Beach. This well-organized, year-round RV and tenting campground offers 55 serviced sites, clean bathrooms, laundry facilities, plenty of shade trees and wireless Internet. About 1 km (0.6 mi) further south on Lakeshore Road, Hiawatha RV Park also offers full hook-up RV sites and separate tenting areas. A children's playground, small store, heated pool and hot showers are some of the features at this popular family campground.

Across the lake in Westbank, Bear Creek Provincial Park offers lakeside camping in a natural setting. Long stretches of sandy beaches and kilometres of breathtaking hiking trails attract so many happy campers in the summer that the 122 sites just aren't quite enough for everyone. Reservations are definitely recommended during this time of year although there are some first-come first-served sites also available.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Statue of Ogopogo in City Park, Downtown; Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Road to Kelowna; Kelowna, BC, Canada
Downtown Kelowna at Night ; Kelowna, BC, Canada
Hanging on the Grapevine; Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort; Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Fruits of Camping in Kelowna; Kelowna, BC, Canada

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Sweet Dreams: A Kelowna Accommodation Guide